5 Rookie Wide Receivers To Keep An Eye On In 2014

By Ryan Gerrity

@RyanGerrity

1. Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers

Allen was a very reliable source for Rivers this year and it showed in the stat line.  He had 71 receptions for over 1,000 yards receiving along with 8 touchdowns.  Allen showed versatility in the Chargers offense this year, and his role should expand next year in the offense.  The one downside is Ken Whisenhunt, the offensive coordinator of the Chargers this year, is leaving to be the new head coach for the Titans.

2.  Cordarrelle Patterson, Minnesota Vikings

Patterson had a very slow start to the 2013 season, but ended with a great second half of the year.  He ended the year with 45 receptions for 469 yards and 4 touchdowns.  Most of the stats coming in the second half of the year, and that will not happen next year.  No matter who the Vikings take in the draft, and most likely it will be a quarterback, they will improve his fantasy impact chances for 2014.

3.  DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans

Hopkins was the first round draft pick for the Texans last year.  They had Super Bowl aspirations, and end up with first overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft.  All roads lean toward a quarterback, whether it is Manziel, Bridgewater, or Bortles.  Whoever it is will help Hopkins improve from his52 reception, 802 yards receving, and 2 touchdown rookie campaign.

4.  Tavon Austin, St. Louis Rams

With over 800 all purpose yards last year in rushing, receiving, and returning, including 6 touchdowns, Austin made a splash into the fantasy world.  However he was very inconsistent but he improved the second half of the year.  Jeff Fisher learned that he needed to get the ball into Austin’s hands if he wanted to have a playmaker on the field.  Austin has the potential to become a fantasy star next year.

5.  Robert Woods, Buffalo Bills

Woods had 40 receptions for 487 yards including 3 touchdowns last year for the Bills.  The struggles came along when quarterback EJ Manuel was injured for multiple weeks.  When they were together they played extremely well and Woods seemed to become a security blanket for Manuel.  That trend should continue through next year.